Serenbe is a 900 acre eclectic community southwest of Atlanta, Georgia. The surrounding area is known as Chattahoochee Hill Country and incorporates portions of four counties. Development in this 40,000 acre area emphasizes smart growth, also known as sustainable living. Curious about this secluded area, we decided to check it out yesterday. From our home it was a 45 minute drive. The last five minutes were on a long, winding lane through fenced livestock pastures.
We started our exploration of Serenbe with a delicious brunch at The Hil. Later, we spoke to some friendly residents who invited us to walk the nature trail (not a public area) and gave us a map and brief orientation. For a short stretch the trail borders a pasture, but unfortunately no horses were present. The round-trip hike took us about two hours and provided some interesting sights and much-needed exercise.
The homes at Serenbe are mostly upscale and each has a custom design. Greenspace includes vast wooded and pasture areas, stables, a lake, and organic gardens. We are looking forward to the Saturday Produce Market next spring when strawberries are available.
We enjoyed the brief glimpse of the Serenbe lifestyle. When we return, we plan to visit the interesting shops and bakery we missed during this visit.
- The Hil restaurant. A lovely, yet casual place. Golf carts are the resident’s preferred vehicle.
- The main entrance to The Hil. The foyer was decorated for Christmas.
- A calico cat keeps watch in a store window.
- Landscaping and lovely brick walls separate areas between homes.
- Some condo homes display modern architecture.
- Traditional southern architecture can also be found at Serenbe.
- Portions of the trail cut through pine forests.
- A bench is a nice touch on a nature trail. Especially when it faces a small horse pasture.
- This impressive tree trunk was the largest we saw.
- Another view of the same tree.
- A waterfall trickled over a large granite slab. Only a small portion of the stone is shown.
- Colorful yard art was displayed between shops.
- Metal roosters lined up to catch the interest of shoppers.
- An elaborate birdhouse display at a store front.